George back to business after devastating wildfires

The George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism Offices on Wednesday assured business travellers and tourists that the town was open for business after devastating wildfires earlier this month
FILE PHOTO: Ewald Stander

PORT ELIZABETH - The George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism Offices on Wednesday assured business travellers and tourists that the town was open for business.

Earlier this month communities along the Garden Route were affected by devastating wildfires.

The wildfire had spread over 80,000 hectares with veld fires also reported in the Koukamma local municipality in the Eastern Cape. Eight members of one family died in the fire in Farleigh, Knysna in the Western Cape.

In a statement, George Municipality said that the situation was now under control and service delivery had not been affected.

"Our towns are fully functional and ready to assist with tour groups and visitors to the areas. The George Airport is operational, and all the major roads including the N2, Montagu Pass, Outeniqua Pass and N9 from George to Uniondale are open."

Over the past weeks, the Southern Cape has been plagued by large-scale wildfires that has not only claimed the lives of nine people, including six children and a pregnant woman, but have also destroyed about 90 000ha of land, gutted 35 homes and partially destroyed 16 properties.